Zoology and wildlife conservation

Faith in academic excellence

Article Abstract:

The government's aggressive attitude toward science and technology is the key to China's success in the international research community. Despite the wealth of problems faced by its economy, China continues to provide financial and technical support to its science sector. The government headed by Deng Xiaoping supported the development of the country's own electron collider machine at the Institute of High Energy Physics in Beijing to build a source of B-mesons. The country also continues to send its scientists to foreign countries to gather new information about science and technology.

Paramount leadership that failed to deliver freedom

Article Abstract:

The death of China's paramount leader Deng Xiaoping has left his successors with the difficult task of determining the country's future. Although Deng was credited with dramatically improving the Chinese economy, he failed to leave a blueprint for the future direction of the new, prosperous China. Deng also failed to promote personal freedom, which has had adverse effects on scientific development. While research institutes have become more competitive, they are still unable to convince thousands of Chinese scientists overseas to bring their expertise back home.

Back on track: the rebirth of human genetics in China

Article Abstract:

Genetic research in China has advanced steadily over the last 20 years after decades of anti-Mendelian beliefs under early communism. Political support for genetic research is being re-awakened by the growing interest of international companies and overseas research institutes in China's genetic wealth. There has been dramatic progress in plant genetics and advances in human genetics, particularly in the identification of some important disease genes, such as those associated with liver cancer.